GM's backing a pleasant surprise for Benson

Running back says Angelo's 'right on'

Cedric Benson was a bit surprised Thursday when told of Bears general manager Jerry Angelo's endorsement of him.

Angelo told the media Wednesday that Benson was "performing to the best of his abilities" and "giving us top effort" despite Benson's 3.1 yards-per-carry average.

"That's good stuff," Benson said. "He's right on. He's good."

Benson was asked how he would grade himself after the first half of the season.

"I don't know what I'd grade myself. I'd have to go back and re-evaluate," he said. "I thought I did a pretty good job with the opportunities I've had."

Benson is third in the NFL in rushing attempts with 149 but has the lowest average per carry among the top 35 rushers.

Injury update

Linebacker Brian Urlacher (back) returned to practice Thursday after sitting out Wednesday. Fellow linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer (undisclosed) also returned. But the third member of the linebacker trio, Lance Briggs (undisclosed), was sidelined. ...

Defensive tackle Tommie Harris was named the team's 2007 recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award, given to one player on each NFL team. Harris' teammates selected him.

"He has done a lot in the community," coach Lovie Smith said, "and [it's] good to see how he came back from a major injury and is having a good football season."

Birthday plans

While most of his teammates rushed to get out of town, Devin Hester planned to spend the weekend off in Chicago, celebrating his birthday. Hester turns 25 Sunday.

"I have about 35 family members coming to town," he said. "We're going to cook out and kind of hang out downtown."

Changing up

The Bears had Alex Brown credited for a first-quarter sack against Lions quarterback Jon Kitna on Sunday, but the sack has been split between Brown and Mark Anderson. It's an interesting switch, considering that Kitna complained to the Detroit media that Brown illegally grabbed his face mask on the play. Brown said he didn't do it.

"If there is a fine given out, it won't be to me," Brown said. "I didn't touch it."